First one we've had since the '99. Harvested at 25.5 percent brix, .65 TA, and 3.8 pH.

Gave blackberries, black cherries, and black plums on the nose and upfront. Much more black fruit, gamy meat, very ripe tomatoes in the complexity across the palate, and the finish almost wouldn't stop. Wonderful wine; get it.

Matched with grillpanned strip steaks with sauteed shitake mushrooms, roasted potato quarters, and some lovely late season zucchini.

We enjoyed another bottle tonight that came with the '07 Fall Sampler. It is even better with another year of aging. We matched it with burgers grilled over charcoal and oak chips, and some of Bush's regular baked beans. Would order a case of the '02 now available if we could afford it!